Synthesizing Data: from noise to music Fiona Jeffries, MA Brandon Regional Health Authority Data Leading to Action: From Chaos to Clarity January 19, 2009

Where’s my circuit board? No magic formula Ask more questions! Of your data Of other sources Of the people described in the data

Start with your data Look at your numbers What stands out? Are they what you expected? Why might they be the way they are?

Start with your data - example

Question your data Multivariate analysis? Compare related data within your data set What are your assumptions? Do the data seem to confirm them or suggest something else? What other questions occur to you?

Question your data - example Multivariate analysis Does overweight correlate with: Inactivity Low Fruit and Vegetable consumption Feeling safe at school? What links can we make with other indicators? Correlation ≠ Causation

Look to the sources What other sources speak to your data? Population surveys (e.g. CCHS, Census) Likely more general than your data Published research (academic journals) Likely more specific than your data Differences or similarities? Do they answer your questions or suggest more questions?

Look to the sources - example CCHS 2004 Canadian household population age % overweight Published Research Abnormal perception of body weight is not solely observed in pubertal girls: incorrect body image in children and its relationship to body weight, H. Ohtahara, et al. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Volume 87 Issue 3Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Volume 87 Issue 3

Ask the subjects Qualitative data – what people say Ask the people you studied what they think Focus groups World Café discussions Photovoice Participatory video Social networking groups

The circuit board Your brain – think about what you find Your team – discuss with others who may know things you don’t know Explore possible meanings and ways the story can fit together Loop! Repeat the steps as needed – this is not a linear process!

Play the tune The story begins to emerge Show your data Describe how the other sources add to the story Don’t be afraid to point out questions you can’t answer!